MiniArts’ 35th scale “Early production” M3 Stuart with interior ….

Kit No #35404

for seven (7!) options in the box

Photo-etch included

The M3 Stuart Light tank:

The US Army began development of a light tank in the early 1930s. The M3 series, which was launched in July 1940 after a succession of tanks with increasing armor and firing power, began. The M3 was provided to British forces under the Lend-Lease Act. It first came into combat in North Africa with British troops in November 1941. This kit includes seven different marking options, including a picture of Patton’s personal tank. The M3A1 was produced in May 1942 and improved by the feedback from the M3A1. It included a gyro stabiliser for the main 37mm gun, as well as a power traverse. This was the first American tank to include such features. The same tank during desert maneuvers, California 1942

The M3A1 Stewart

The Stuart M3A1 was also used by American forces in the North African Campaign. It was even less effective than the 37mm gun that had been inadequate to British forces just a year earlier, as German armor continued upgrading. A veteran pointed out that Little Bo Peep’s popcorn balls would have worked just as well against German armor. After the 1st Battalion of the 13th Armored Regiment participated in the Battle of Kasserine Pass the Stuart tank became a reconnaissance vehicle and flank guard. These photos were taken General George S. Patton in his personal M3 Stuart Tank, Desert Training Center, USA 1942

Although poorly suited to tank warfare in Europe the M3 and M5 continued to be used until the end of World War II. The photos in this series were taken by

General George S. Patton with his M3 Stuart Tank at the Desert Training Center in USA in 1942.

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Despite being poorly suited for tank warfare in Europe the Stuart tank was effective in the Pacific. The Stuart tank was used as an infantry supporting vehicle in New Guinea and Solomon Islands. MiniArt has released a new 1/35th M3 Stuart kit. The original was called the Initial Production kit. Below are the contents of our kit: CAD drawing, sprues and etching, decals and marking options. This is the third version of the kit, which shows the tanks from the first production run with flat riveted Turrets. This kit will be available from MiniArt distributors around the world next month. This kit is available for further information.